- Rhine metal boss: "Daughters always knew what I was doing"
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger (61) has never hidden his arms business from his daughters. "They knew from day one what I do, from the very first day," the chairman of Germany's largest arms conglomerate told RTL/ntv. "And my girls are cool about it."
In Danger
Papperger said his family could handle the threats against him. He has a strong family and has been doing this job for 35 years. "There have been many threats, arson attacks, my house has been vandalized, and similar things," said Papperger. "It's not funny, and I don't think it's part of democracy." Papperger thanked the Federal Republic and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia for his protection. "I have great bodyguards and I'm grateful for what these guys do."
In Moscow's Sights
In July, it was reported that Papperger was in Moscow's sights. CNN reported that US intelligence had uncovered plans by the Russian government to assassinate the German manager at the beginning of the year. The Kremlin denied this.
Papperger is particularly vocal in his support for Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia. The list of Rheinmetall-produced weapons bought by the federal government and then sent to Ukraine is long. Germany's largest arms company manufactures artillery, ammunition, tanks, air defense systems, and military trucks.
Despite the potential danger due to Russia's interest in him, Papperger's daughters continue to support his role in Germany's largest arms conglomerate, Rheinmetall. Regardless of the threats and attacks he has faced over the years, Papperger has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, with Rheinmetall contributing significantly to the country's defense with its weapons production.
